Portable Self-Powered Hydraulic Pump Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable hydraulic pump apparatus that is self-powered, wherein an onboard fuel-powered engine is provided to drive the hydraulic pump, the units being mounted onto a wheeled cart such that the apparatus is easily moved to a remote location as needed.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/139,098, filed Mar. 27, 2015, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of hydraulic pumps, andmore particularly to the field of portable hydraulic pumps, and evenmore particularly to the field of self-powered portable hydraulic pumps.

There are numerous circumstances where a portable hydraulic pump isneeded, such that the hydraulic pump can be easily moved to a positionnear equipment that requires hydraulic power. For example, frequenttesting of the hydraulic systems of aircraft such as helicopters isrequired by regulation. Known portable hydraulic pumps operated byelectric motors require a hard wire connection to the electrical grid,i.e., the power unit must be plugged into a power source in order tooperate the hydraulic pump. In many situations however there is noreadily accessible electrical outlet or source availability in the nearproximity of the helicopter. Thus, the portability range of thehydraulic pump is limited, unless multiple extension/power cords areutilized, which is often impractical and creates safety hazards topersonnel.

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable hydraulic pumpapparatus that is self-powered, wherein an onboard fuel-powered (e.g.,gasoline) engine is provided to drive the hydraulic pump, the unitsbeing mounted onto a wheeled cart such that the apparatus is easilymoved to a remote location as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in general a portable self-powered hydraulic pumpapparatus, the apparatus comprising a hydraulic pump powered by adedicated fuel-powered, non-electric engine, both units mounted onto awheeled cart for mobility. The apparatus is structured such that thehydraulic pump and the fuel-powered engine are small enough to be easilytransportable, while the engine and pump are sufficiently powerful todeliver hydraulic fluid to a piece of equipment, such as a helicopterfor testing operations, at a minimum pressure of approximately 1200 psi,and more preferably able to deliver hydraulic fluid at a minimumpressure of at least approximately 5000 psi, such that the apparatus issuitable for providing hydraulic power for testing the majority ofcommercial and private helicopters. In general, the apparatus comprisesa heavy-duty wheeled cart, a fuel-powered engine, a hydraulic pump, aflow control regulator mechanism, a flow meter, a pressure regulator, apressure gauge, a temperature gauge, a function control mechanism, ahigh flow filter and automatic flow cutoff hydraulic hose connectorfittings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative schematic of the operational systems and flowpaths of the hydraulic pump apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a representative illustration of the hydraulic pump apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a representative illustration of the panel portion of thehydraulic pump apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in general a portable, self-powered hydraulic pumpapparatus comprising a non-electric, fuel-powered (e.g., gasoline)engine and a hydraulic pump, both mounted onto a wheeled cart, theapparatus especially suited for providing hydraulic fluid to aircraft,and in particular helicopters, for testing operations. In general, theapparatus comprises a heavy-duty wheeled cart, a fuel-powered engine, ahydraulic pump, a flow control regulator mechanism, a flow meter, apressure regulator, a pressure gauge, a temperature gauge, a functioncontrol mechanism, a high flow filter and automatic flow cutoffhydraulic hose connector fittings.

With reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydraulic pump apparatus willnow be described in greater detail. A heavy-duty multi-wheeled cart 10is provided, the cart 10 having a base area 101 adapted to support thenon-electric, fuel-powered engine or motor 11 and the hydraulic pump 12.As shown in FIG. 2, a cart 10 having two pneumatic tires 102 and anupstanding frame 103 retaining a panel 104 to receive various controls,gauges and the like is suitable. The invention is not limited to thisembodiment, as carts with 3 or 4 wheels or with varying structures willalso be suitable.

The engine 11 must be of a size sufficient to power the hydraulic pump12, and an 8 hp gasoline engine has been found to be acceptable. In apreferred embodiment, the engine 11 has an electric starter, in whichcase a DC battery 20 may be provided, the battery 20 being recharged bythe alternator of the alternator of the engine 11.

The hydraulic pump 12 should be capable of delivering hydraulic fluid ata minimum of approximately 1200 psi at up to approximately 7 gpm(gallons per minute). Hydraulic pumps 12 of varying sizes may beutilized. For example, a 26 hp hydraulic pump 12 capable of producing upto approximately 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to approximately 14 gpmis preferred to cover the full range of helicopter hydraulic systems.Commercially it may be advisable to offer three separate apparatuses, abase model providing approximately 1200-1500 psi at up to approximately7 gpm, a midline model providing up to approximately 3000 psi at up toapproximately 10 gpm, and a topline model providing up to approximately5000 psi at up to approximately 14 gpm.

Various equipment, controls and gauges are mounted or attached to thepanel 104 on the cart 10 in a manner that provides for easy access andvisibility, with such equipment, controls and gauges being in fluidcommunication for delivery and return of the hydraulic fluid underdesired pressure and flow rate. A function control mechanism 13 controlsthe operational mode of the apparatus, such that the apparatus is eitheroperations and delivering hydraulic fluid at high pressure and suitableflow to and returned from the helicopter 200, or in nonoperational oridle mode wherein hydraulic fluid is recirculated within the apparatusand not delivered to the helicopter 200. The function control mechanism13 also acts as an emergency cutoff if such is needed. The functioncontrol mechanism 13 may comprise a ball valve operated by a lever. Aflow control or regulator mechanism 14 is provided such that the flowrate is adjustable to a desired gpm. A flow meter 18 provides a visualindication of the flow rate to the operator. A pressure regulatormechanism 15 is provided to adjust the delivery pressure of thehydraulic fluid, with a pressure gauge 16 to provide a visual indicationof the pressure to the operator. A temperature gauge 17 is also providedto provide a visual indication of the fluid temperature to the operator.

A set of hose connector fittings 21 are provided for connecting adelivery hydraulic hose to provide hydraulic fluid under proper pressureand flow to the helicopter 200 and a return hydraulic hose to return thehydraulic fluid from the helicopter 200 to the apparatus. Mostpreferably quick connect fittings are utilized, and the connectorfittings 21 on the apparatus are of the type that automatically closewhen the connection is broken, i.e., a hose is disconnected, in order toprevent accidental loss of hydraulic fluid. Preferably, interchangeablefittings having different pitches are provided so as to be compatible tothe fittings of helicopters 20 of different types and origin.

A high flow rate filter 19 is provided to filter hydraulic fluidreturned from helicopter 200 prior to its return into the hydraulic pump12 to remove any trach or debris. A 125 micro stainless steel filter issuitable. Because the hydraulic pump apparatus utilizes hydraulic fluidfrom the helicopter 200 itself, there is no need to provide a storage orauxiliary fluid tank.

The hydraulic pump apparatus is utilized to provide hydraulic power to ahelicopter's, or other type of equipment's, hydraulic systems bywheeling the apparatus to a location adjacent the helicopter 200. Thehoses are then connected to the helicopter's hydraulic system to betested and the flow control mechanism 14 is adjusted to produce thedesired flow rate. The power and hydraulic switches of the helicopter200 are then initiated and the fuel-powered engine 11 is started topower the hydraulic pump 12 to deliver in a recirculating mannerhydraulic fluid to the helicopter systems. The proper testing proceduresrelative to the helicopter 200 are then followed. Once the test iscompleted, the hydraulic pump apparatus is turned off and disconnected.

It is understood that equivalents and substitutions for certain elementsset forth above may be obvious to those of skill in the art, andtherefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as setforth in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A portable hydraulic pump apparatus adapted to deliverhydraulic fluid under pressure comprising: a wheeled cart; a hydraulicpump mounted to said cart; a non-electric, fuel-powered engine mountedto said cart, said engine powering said hydraulic pump; a flow controlmechanism to adjust the flow rate of hydraulic fluid delivered by saidapparatus; a pressure regulator mechanism to adjust the pressure of thehydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure gauge providinga visual indication of the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered bysaid apparatus; a flow meter providing a visual indication of the flowrate of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; and a functioncontrol mechanism to control the operational mode of said apparatusbetween an operational delivery mode and a non-operational idle mode;said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, said pressure regulatormechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter and said functioncontrol mechanism being in fluid communication.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a high flow rate filter in fluidcommunication with said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, saidpressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter andsaid function control mechanism.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid engine is an electric start engine, and further comprising a DCbattery mounted to said cart, said DC battery providing power to startsaid engine and said DC battery being recharged by said engine.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising quick connect hose fittings influid communication with said hydraulic pump, said low controlmechanism, said pressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, saidflow meter and said function control mechanism, said quick connect hosefittings adapted to connect to hydraulic hoses.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said quick connect hose fittings automatically closewhen disconnected from a hydraulic hose.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of at least 1200 psi ata flow rate of up to 7 gallons per minute.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said hydraulic pump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at aflow rate of up to 14 gallons per minute.
 8. A portable hydraulic pumpapparatus adapted to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure comprising:a wheeled cart; a hydraulic pump mounted to said cart; a non-electric,fuel-powered engine mounted to said cart, said engine powering saidhydraulic pump; a flow control mechanism to adjust the flow rate ofhydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a pressure regulatormechanism to adjust the pressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered bysaid apparatus; a pressure gauge providing a visual indication of thepressure of the hydraulic fluid delivered by said apparatus; a flowmeter providing a visual indication of the flow rate of the hydraulicfluid delivered by said apparatus; and a function control mechanism tocontrol the operational mode of said apparatus between an operationaldelivery mode and a non-operational idle mode; a high flow rate filter;quick connect hose fittings adapted to connect to hydraulic hoses,wherein said quick connect hose fittings automatically close whendisconnected; said hydraulic pump, said low control mechanism, saidpressure regulator mechanism, said pressure gauge, said flow meter, saidfunction control mechanism, said high flow rate filter, and said quickconnect hose fittings being in fluid communication.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said engine is an electric start engine, and furthercomprising a DC battery mounted to said cart, said DC battery providingpower to start said engine and said DC battery being recharged by saidengine.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said hydraulic pumpprovides a pressure of at least 1200 psi at a flow rate of up to 7gallons per minute.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said hydraulicpump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to 14gallons per minute.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said hydraulicpump provides a pressure of at least 1200 psi at a flow rate of up to 7gallons per minute.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said hydraulicpump provides a pressure of up to 5000 psi at a flow rate of up to 14gallons per minute.